Over the past 3+ years that I’ve been running this site, there’s been a few builds out there that are so popular they get submitted to me by multiple readers, and this thread falls into that category. However, the submissions weren’t even necessary this time, as I have been lucky enough to follow this build since the thread was first created. Kevin, the cars owner, is a one man building machine, doing everything on this little BMW, from fabrication to bodywork, rust repairs to paint, and now the currently-in-progress F20C engine conversion. I’ve personally enjoyed every update of this well-photographed thread, and hope you will keep following it.
Category: Build Threads
5 cylinder Audi powered Porsche 996
Porsche’s seem to be blowing up the internet lately. Between RWB, Singer, and most recently Magnus Walker, there’s been a constant stream Porkas on every auto blog out there for the past few years now. But hey, this is Build Threads, so you know if you see a Porsche here there’s going to be something different about it. So how about a full tube framed 996 with a 5-cyl ABY Audi powerplant?
Thanks to Linus for submitting.
Datsun 240z: Projekt Hugo
From the dark depths of build thread history comes Projekt Hugo. Does anyone remember this video series about a guy from Sweden who imported a supposedly “rust free” 240z from the US, only to find it littered with rotted metal? He then proceeded to rebuild the car whilst documenting the whole thing on well-edited videos. This was before the days of Youtube or Vimeo and before every car guy was a photographer/videographer, so a series of clips like this was a big deal back then.
Thanks to Dave for reminding me about it.
Project Speedster MX5
Here’s another build I’ve had my eye on for a while which was recently completed. Like most people these days, I’m a fan of appropriately modified Mazda MX5‘s. But being such a popular platform, it becomes harder to get one to stand out from the sea of Roadsters, without ending up with an over-modded abomination. One way to break away from the pack – if you have the skills – is to create your own one-off special edition, something with more than a selection of bolt-ons. That’s exactly what The MX5 Restorer did to this once battered and bruised NA; he chopped, carved and sliced it up to create his own version of a Mazda Speedster, perfect for those windy roads on a warm summer day.
Group 2 Zakspeed Mk2 Escort
Yep, another classic British Ford, seems to be the flavour lately. This one is a MK2 Escort, taken from a granny-spec stocker all the way to a fabricated and widened twin-cam track tearer. I really like how far they’ve developed and modified the factory floorpan instead of simply ripping it all out and replacing it with custom tubing.
Thanks to Cosmin for submitting.
Rolls Royce Silver Shadow
Petri from www.pjp.fi in Finland emailed me this very interesting Rolls Royce build, not your typical cheuffurre driven Silver Shadow. I’ll let Petri explain…
car is coming to have all chromemoly sfi 25,2 double frame chassi with four seats (am not kidding we must give our sponsors a ride) .Engine is Oldsmobile 462 cid with Mooneyhamn 14/71 fullteflon supercharger and 200 horsepower nitrous.
I’m guessing you’re going to want to see this…
Ford Popular 100E
This Ford Popular build comes courtesy of Joe, the owner and builder who first bought this car almost 15 years ago. This little British sedan goes from stock standard to show quality, landing itself a feature in Retro Ford Magazine and placing 3rd in their 2011 Car of the Year, as voted by readers.
Steampunk Honda CB350
I remember hearing the word “Steampunk” a while ago, maybe a year or two back, and I had to turn to trusty old Google to see what it was all about. All I found was a bunch of Photoshop’s and renderings featuring lots of brass, chains, cogs, gears, and other vintage industrialist type decorations. I wasn’t sure if this was a real thing or just a fantasy subculture, that was until this very interestingly customised and beautifully photographed Honda CB350 made it’s way into my inbox…
Thanks to Chason for submitting.
K20 1st Gen Civic
Here is a perfect example of why I love modified cars. Take the shell of the first generation of specific car, then stuff it with all the goodies from a performance model of one of the most current generations from the same linage. I love it. Click here for more Honda builds.
Thanks to Nils for submitting, who is also undertaking a thorough restoration of a 240Z, look out for it in a future feature. Continue reading “K20 1st Gen Civic”
Niscort – MK1 Escort CA18DET
Many years ago I remember seeing what I still think is one of the best looking CA18DET’s ever put together. It was posted on a forum, and I liked it so much I pm’d the person who’d posted the image. That CA18DET wasn’t bound for the usual S13 Nissan or Datsun 1200 ute, it was built for Glenn’s MK1 Escort, hence the name “Niscort”. Apart from the crossbreed engine conversion, the little Ford receives a full rotisserie build with plenty of rust repairs and custom suspension work. Unfortunately it’s not quite finished yet, but I’ve been checking for updates for so many years I thought I should just go ahead and feature it, enjoy!